This study evaluated the preventive effect of lyophilized bovine colostrum powder1 (LBC) collected at different postpartum stages (days 1–7) on acute liver injury induced by alcohol in mice. It was found that the relatively desirable collection window was during the first three days postpartum (D1–D3). During this period, the content of growth factors in LBC reached its peak. By enhancing antioxidant capacity (increasing SOD, CAT, and GPx activities and reducing MDA), inhibiting inflammatory responses (lowering ALT, AST, TG, and TNF-α, IL-6 levels), and significantly restoring the activities of hepatic alcohol-metabolizing enzymes (with ALDH activity exceeding that of the positive control drug), liver tissue damage can be effectively alleviated. The findings suggest that LBC collected within 3 days postpartum exhibits notable hepatoprotective effects, indicating its potential as a promising raw material source for the development of hepatoprotective functional foods.
Uric acid (UA) homeostasis plays a vital role in maintaining human health via immune balance and oxidative stress. This process relies on the precise regulation of metabolic enzymes and transporters, as well as the coordinated crosstalk of the liver–kidney–intestine axis. This review comprehensively summarizes recent advances in UA homeostasis and analyses dynamic interactions at the molecular, organ, and system levels. On the basis of this evidence, a U-shaped risk model of UA homeostasis is proposed, in which intermediate range of 120–420 μmol/L is associated with relatively low risk, and both hyperuricaemia and hypouricemia increase the risk of multiple disorders. The potential mechanisms, including hepatic production, renal excretion, and intestinal excretion compensation, as well as the influences of self-limitation inflammation and intestinal microorganisms, were also discussed. This work provides theoretical support for individualized intervention strategies targeting key regulators based on specific phenotyping of UA metabolic imbalance.
This study evaluated the antioxidant and angiotensin-I converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitory activities of processed Cheddar cheese fortified with cloves, cumin, or black pepper during 0-9 months of storage. Freeze-dried ethanol-soluble extracts (ESE) and water-soluble extracts (WSE) collected during ripening were also examined. The WSE of black-pepper cheese showed the strongest antioxidant activity, with higher DPPH radical scavenging ability (1516.4 +/- 180 & micro;mol Trolox equivalent/g) and reducing power (38.12 +/- 0.38 & micro;g/g), along with the highest total phenolics (82.48 +/- 3.2 & micro;g GAE/g). After simulated gastrointestinal digestion, the antioxidant properties significantly increased in all the treatments. Digested black-pepper cheese exhibited the highest total antioxidant activity (5752.8 +/- 83.3 & micro;g Trolox equivalent/g), while control cheese showed the lowest (4603.3 +/- 86.2 & micro;g Trolox equivalent/g). Overall, digested spiced cheeses showed superior antioxidant and ACE-inhibitory activities compared to their corresponding freeze-dried extracts. Results highlight digestion-released bioactive compounds and support spiced Cheddar cheeses as promising functional dairy products.
Ferulic acid and caffeine exhibit antioxidant and metabolic regulatory activities. This study evaluated their combined effects on high-fat diet (HFD)-induced metabolic disturbances. After four weeks of HFD feeding, diabetic mice were treated with low or high doses of ferulic acid (25 or 50 mg/kg) or caffeine (15 or 30 mg/kg) for another four weeks. Compared with the control diet, the HFD increased fasting blood glucose by 40%, body weight by 25%, and total serum cholesterol and triglyceride levels by 35% and 40%, respectively. Coadministration of ferulic acid and caffeine significantly decreased fasting blood glucose to near-normal levels (approximate to 132 mg/dL), serum cholesterol and triglycerides by 28-31%, ALT from 41 +/- 3.8 U/L to 36-39 U/L, and MDA from 8.2 +/- 0.6 nmol/mg to 4.8 +/- 0.4 nmol/mg. Histopathology revealed restored hepatic and adipose tissue morphology with reduced inflammation. Combined ferulic acid and caffeine treatment effectively alleviated hyperglycaemia, dyslipidaemia, and oxidative stress in HFD-fed mice.
Obesity is a major modifiable risk factor contributing significantly to the global cancer burden. This narrative review summarises global trends in obesity-related cancers (ORCs), integrating molecular links with clinical, pharmacological and public health prevention strategies. Epidemiological research indicates an increasing range of ORC, particularly early-onset cases in high-income settings and higher mortality in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Beyond lifestyle modification, bariatric surgery and novel pharmacotherapies, such as glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists, offer sustained metabolic benefits and potential reductions in cancer risk. At the population level, fiscal policies, stringent labelling and urban planning are essential but remain inconsistently implemented. Significant disparities persist in health equity and the integration of obesity management into cancer prevention frameworks. Future efforts must prioritise equitable, culturally relevant and multilevel interventions, combining clinical care with robust population-based policies, to effectively mitigate ORC risk globally, especially in LMICs and among vulnerable groups.
This study explores how ginseng bioactive compounds overcome radio- and chemoresistance in rectal cancer by targeting CYP26A1 and modulating immunity. Bioinformatic analyses identified CYP26A1 as a critical resistance-related gene associated with poor prognosis and reduced B-cell infiltration. Molecular docking revealed strong binding between CYP26A1 and five ginseng components (Aposiopolamine, Celabenzine, Frutinone A, Girinimbin, and Inermin). In vitro experiments further confirmed that ginseng extract inhibited the proliferation of colorectal cancer cells, induced apoptosis, caused cell-cycle arrest, and suppressed cell migration and invasion. In addition, ginseng extract enhanced B-cell activity and promoted the secretion of granzyme B, IFN-gamma, and TNF-alpha, thereby modulating the immune microenvironment and ultimately influencing tumor cell sensitivity to radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Collectively, these findings suggest that ginseng bioactives may reverse treatment resistance through CYP26A1 inhibition and immune modulation, highlighting their potential as adjuvants to improve therapeutic response in rectal cancer.
The current investigation examined carrageenan model-induced paw inflammation in mice, as well as the potential protective effects of celery leaf extract. Apparently, signs of inflammatory reactions triggered by carrageenan infusion include elevated levels of inflammatory and antioxidant markers, including C-reactive protein levels. Transcription of tumour necrosis factor-alpha, interleukin-1beta, interleukin-2, nitric oxide, cyclooxygenase-2, prostaglandin E2, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1, and myeloperoxidase activity, as well as decreases in other factors, such as interleukin-10 and glutathione content were also observed. Remarkably, it became apparent that extracts derived from celery leaves could prevent the formation of oxidative damage, suppress inflammatory signaling, and alleviate histological alterations in painful, inflamed, reddish paw tissue upon being infused with carrageenan. Our documented scientific findings provide promising evidence that the herbal extract of celery leaves may be employed as a complementary approach for ameliorating the pathophysiological and histological alterations associated with the onset of paw edema.
Obesity is a chronic disease characterized by metabolic, and hormonal disturbances, and its prevalence is increasing worldwide. It is strongly associated with major health problems, particularly type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. The development of obesity-related cancers is driven by multiple mechanisms, such as chronic inflammation, oxidative stress, adipokine imbalance, insulin resistance, activation of insulin-like growth factor-1, hormonal alterations, and gut microbiota dysbiosis. These processes are closely influenced by nutritional factors. Plant-based dietary patterns rich in dietary fiber and bioactive compounds may help prevent obesity-related cancers by reducing oxidative stress, supporting immune function, and improving metabolic homeostasis. In addition, functional foods and specific bioactive compounds exhibit chemopreventive effects through their actions on cellular signaling pathways, epigenetic regulation, and cell cycle control. This review aims to provide a scientific perspective on nutrition-based preventive strategies by evaluating the effects of plant-based dietary patterns and functional foods in reducing obesity-related cancer risk.
This study investigated the antidiabetic potential of methanolic extracts of Cassia absus (seeds), Gymnema sylvestre (whole plant), Nigella sativa (seeds), and Piper nigrum (fruits) in alloxan-induced diabetic female Wistar rats. Extracts were prepared using 70% methanol and administered orally at 500 mg/kg/day for 42 days, while glibenclamide (10 mg/kg/day) served as a reference drug. All plant extracts significantly (p < 0.05) reduced fasting blood glucose, attenuated body weight loss, improved glycometabolic and inflammatory markers, and decreased pancreatic oxidative stress. Notably, N. sativa and P. nigrum extracts showed superior efficacy by modulating JNK/MAPK and Nrf2/Keap1 pathways and enhancing insulin secretion compared with other extracts and glibenclamide. Histopathological findings supported these results. Overall, N. sativa and P. nigrum demonstrated the strongest antidiabetic, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory effects, while C. absus showed the least efficacy.
This study evaluated the hypolipidemic effect of vine tea flavonoids (AGF) in high-fat diet-fed rats. Animals received low-, medium-, or high-dose AGF (50, 100, or 200 mg/kg BW) for seven weeks, with Xuezhikang (60 mg/kg BW) as a positive control. The results showed that AGF, particularly the high dose (H-AGF), significantly reduced body weight, liver weight, hepatic lipid accumulation, and markers of liver damage (ALT, AST). H-AGF also improved serum lipid profiles by lowering TC, TG, and LDL-C while increasing HDL-C, enhanced antioxidant capacity, and promoted beneficial gut bacteria such as Lactobacillus and Collinsella. Transcriptome analysis further revealed that H-AGF modulated key genes involved in triglyceride, cholesterol, and fatty acid metabolism pathways. Overall, the H-AGF was more effective than Xuezhikang in most measured outcomes. Thus, AGF can be developed in the future as a potential natural resource for hypolipidemic drugs, functional foods, and additives.
Stellaria alsine (SA) is traditionally consumed as a vegetable, but its immunomodulatory and anti-obesity effects remain unclear. This study investigated the dual functionalities of SA extracts in macrophage and adipocyte models. Among four temperature-based extracts, the 20 degrees C extract (SA20) showed the highest NO-inducing and lipid-inhibitory activities. In RAW264.7 macrophages, SA20 enhanced NO production, iNOS expression, and phagocytic activity via TLR4-dependent JNK and PI3 K signalling. In 3T3-L1 adipocytes, SA20 reduced lipid accumulation by downregulating PPAR gamma and CEBP alpha. These findings suggest that SA20 exerts immunostimulatory effects by activating macrophage pathways and anti-obesity effects by suppressing adipogenesis. Further research is needed to identify the active components and validate these effects in vivo.
This study examined the effects of dietary inulin on growth performance, gut microbiota, and intestinal histomorphology in Japanese quails. A total of 360 quails were assigned to four treatments: control (basal diet) and diets supplemented with 0.5%, 1.0%, or 1.5% inulin. Feed intake was unaffected (P > 0.05), but body weight gain and feed conversion ratio improved significantly at 1.0% and 1.5% inulin levels (P < 0.05). Dressing percentage also increased (P = 0.001), while mortality remained unchanged. Inulin supplementation enhanced Lactobacillus counts at 1.5% and reduced Salmonella and E. coli populations at all inclusion levels (P < 0.01). Duodenal and jejunal villus height and surface area were significantly greater at 1.5% inulin (P < 0.01), indicating improved nutrient absorption. Overall, dietary inulin, particularly at 1.0-1.5%, enhanced growth performance, gut health, and intestinal morphology, suggesting its potential as a functional prebiotic feed additive for improving quail productivity.
Cancer is the second most common cause of death worldwide. While no definitive treatment protocol exists, new nutritional approaches are being discussed. Cancer cells have altered metabolism and the ability to metastasize. These adaptations lead to changes in glucose, glutamine, serine and carbon metabolism. The Warburg effect (conversion of glucose to lactate) is observed due to increased energy requirements. While there is no definitive treatment protocol for cancer, in recent years the ketogenic diet, and particularly Very Low Energy Ketogenic Diet (VLEKT), has been considered among the promising protocols for cancer treatment. Ketones formed as a result of VLEKT have a positive effect on the inflammatory system, genetic and epigenetic mechanisms in cancer cells. This review aims to describe the changes in cancer cells and their potential effects on these changes. VLEKT is a promising diet protocol for cancer treatment. This potential merits further investigation in precilinical and clinical studies.
Gut microbiota plays a vital role in immune regulation by producing short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), which influence regulatory T cells (Tregs) and maintain immune balance. Disruptions in the SCFAs-Tregs axis contribute to immune dysregulation and inflammation. This study explores the immunomodulatory effects of the nutritional supplement Youtianli (YTL) in a juvenile mouse model of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced immune dysregulation. YTL supplementation significantly reduced pro-inflammatory cytokines, restored Th17/Treg balance, and increased SCFA-producing bacteria. Metabolomic analysis confirmed upregulation of butyrate and propionate metabolism, essential for immune modulation. Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) demonstrated that immunoregulatory effects of YTL were microbiota-dependent. These findings suggest that YTL improves immune function by modulating gut microbiota and enhancing SCFA metabolism. This study highlights the potential of YTL as an immunoregulatory supplement and encourages further research into microbiota-targeted nutritional interventions.Schematic of the molecular mechanism by which YTL supplementation modulates treg cell function via gut microbiota and SCFAs.
Background:The causal relationship between Omega-3 fatty acids and nummular dermatitis remains unclear.Methods:We performed a two-sample Mendelian randomization analysis using six independent SNPs associated with circulating Omega-3 levels. Summary statistics for nummular dermatitis were obtained from the FinnGen consortium. The inverse variance weighted method was the primary analysis, complemented by MR-Egger, weighted median, and mode-based approaches. Sensitivity analyses assessed pleiotropy and heterogeneity.Results:Higher genetically predicted Omega-3 levels were significantly associated with a reduced risk of nummular dermatitis (beta = -0.25, 95% CI: - 0.45 to - 0.06, P = 0.0111). The association was consistent across multiple MR methods, with no evidence of horizontal pleiotropy or significant heterogeneity.Conclusion:This study provides the first genetic evidence supporting a protective causal effect of Omega-3 fatty acids against nummular dermatitis, highlighting the potential of nutritional interventions for inflammatory skin diseases.
This study aimed to develop an eco-friendly, cost-effective method for synthesizing selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) and assess their effects on broiler health and performance. Four hundred Ross 308 chicks were assigned to five groups, receiving either a basal diet, sodium selenite (0.3 ppm), or SeNPs at 0.3, 0.4, and 0.5 ppm for 35 days. Birds fed 0.5 ppm SeNPs (T4) showed significantly higher weight gain and lower serum triglycerides and ileal crypt depth than the control. Antioxidant markers (SOD, GSH-Px) were improved in SeNP-fed groups, with reduced malondialdehyde levels. While no significant improvement in feed conversion ratio was observed, higher SeNP doses (0.4-0.5 ppm) enhanced antioxidant status, lipid profile, and intestinal morphology. Equal selenium levels (0.3 ppm) showed no growth advantage for SeNPs over inorganic selenium, suggesting the need for dose-optimization studies.
The coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic has underscored the importance of a well-functioning immune system in protecting against pathogens. Therefore, in this study, we investigated the effects of Nelumbo nucifera root extract on innate immunity using in vitro and specific ex vivo models of dexamethasone-induced immunosuppression. Our findings demonstrated that Nelumbo nucifera root extract significantly enhances innate immune responses in both models. Mechanistic analyses revealed that Nelumbo nucifera root extract activates innate immune responses via the nuclear factor-kappa B signalling pathway. To identify bioactive compounds contributing to these effects of Nelumbo nucifera root extract, liquid chromatography - quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry was employed. Among the four candidate compounds identified (tyrosine, tryptophan, catechin, and gallocatechin), catechin and gallocatechin significantly increased innate immune responses in vitro. This study highlights Nelumbo nucifera root extract, enriched with catechin-based functional compounds, as a promising natural material for the development of functional foods aimed at immune enhancement.
This study was conducted in 2023 to determine AFM1 contamination of cow milk in the Sidama zone, southern Ethiopia. A total of 240 milk samples were analysed by the Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay. Out of 240 milk samples, 75% were positive for AFM1 with a range of 0.00014-1.16 mu g/L and mean concentration 0.04 +/- 0.13 mu g/L, which was lower than the EU and US standards. AFM1 was significantly higher (P < 0.05) in the dry season (0.06 +/- 0.17 g/L) than rainy season (0.02 +/- 0.03 mu g/L). Only 11% and 2% of the milk samples were above the EU and US standard respectively. Future research on AFM1 should focus on buttermilk since it is the most common form of milk consumed in the area. In conclusion, care should be taken in children's milk consumption since the AFM1 from the analysed raw cow milk in the study area is found to be above standard for children, which might have public health significance.
Obesity is a major modifiable risk factor for endometrial cancer, significantly increasing incidence and worsening clinical outcomes. The underlying biological mechanisms include chronic inflammation, insulin resistance, hormonal dysregulation, and microbiome alterations, all of which contribute to tumour development and progression. Nutritional strategies such as plant-based and Mediterranean diets, caloric restriction, and micronutrient-rich foods show promise in reducing cancer risk through improved metabolic health and hormonal balance. However, clinical challenges persist, including surgical complications, altered chemotherapy efficacy, and poorer long-term survival in obese patients. Personalised nutrition and multidisciplinary care integrating oncology, nutrition, and metabolic expertise are essential for improving treatment outcomes. Despite promising evidence, knowledge gaps remain in understanding microbiome interactions and the long-term efficacy of dietary interventions. Addressing these challenges through research and clinical innovation is crucial to mitigating the burden of obesity-related endometrial cancer and enhancing patient care.
